Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1887-12-16
THE CONVENTION.
Common Sense Proceedings Of the
'sss One State Convention at
Aberdeen.
A Letter Read From Congressman
Springer Pronouncing it the
e'1 First Practical Step.
A Memorial Adopted Praying For
an Enabling Act For Dakota
as One State.
A Committee of Practical Men Chosen
to Convey the Memorial to
the National Capital.
List of the Delegates,


moments after IL o'clock noon when Hon.
L. G. johnson raped loudly for order. He
stated briefly the objects of the convention
and then called upon Rev. DR.. Lauson of
Brown county, who offered prayer. Mr..
johnson announced that he had been re-
quested to suggest as temporary officers Of
the convention FL, G. Preston of Mitchell,
chairman; B. F. Spaulding of Fargo, DR.. r.
N. Burdick of Vermillion, W. w. Goddard
of Sioux Falls and w. R. Kellogg of James
town as secretaries. "A committee was ap-
pointed to conduct the officers to the stage.
Chairman Preston made speech setting
forth that the delegates assembled repre-
sented 100000 homes and 100000 people
and should show to congress that Dakota
Is entitled to statehood. The convention
should
NOT DICTATE OR COMMAND CONGRESS,
but should argue with congressman and
show them that Dakota has right to be
admitted. Heretofore l have been for d.
vision, and personally, could decide the
question, would now divide Dakota, but
we can't have our way. We can never get
into the union divided. The north does
not want division; they have shown us
that at the polls, and they are entitled to
consideration as residents of Dakota. If
the country needed any one, no one would
fight harder for the flag than the residents
of Dakota. Wisconsin would not part with
an inch OF her territory" After the ap-
pointment of committees Oh credentials
and permanent organization the conven
tion adjourned until 2:30 p. m. When the
convention was again called to order the
secretary read
A LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN SPRINGER,
addressed to Hon. L. G. Johnson. After
referring to receiving call for the con-
ventlon, Mr.. Springer says: "This is the
first concerted movement on the part of the
people of Dakota for single statehood
which has come to my knowledge. Here
tofore the organized efforts of your people
have been in the direction of the division
of the territory, while individuals in Ger,
tain localities and newspapers in the terri
tory have opposed such efforts. These
contending factions among your own peo-
pie have had the result of preventing any
affirmative action whatever by congress.
Some of your citizens entertain the idea
that the question of division Of the terri
tory is purely local one, concerning only
the people of Dakota. The people of every
state in the union are equally interested in
the question" Mr.. Springer continues al
some length to show why division is out
%hn 10 ho 80 cfi
will be terribly opposed to the divis.
ion of Dakota, though he heartily
favors her admission as a whole
The committees on credentials and organi-
zaton appointed the following permanent
officers: Chairman, George Rice, of Moody
county; secretaries, Spalaing, Kellogg
Goddard, Nash and Williamson. The com
mittee on memorial was appointed, headed
by Mr.. Pennington of Yankton.
THE REPRESENTATIVES.
The following committee of fifteen was
the memorial at Washington: Greene Of
Cass: Sheldon of Day; Lawler of Dawson
Dobbins of Barnes; Sheridan of Pennlng
ton; Lauder of Richland; Stiles of Mime.
haha; Runkle of Sargent; Moore of Brown
Allen of Stutsman; Hameister of Yankton
Jewell of Burleigh; Hauser of Hanson
Wilson of Pembina and Alloway of Grand
Forks. A recess was taken until 7:3O p
m. The delegation selected is as follows
At large, L. G. johnson, NJ. l.. McCormack
w. E. Dodge; first judicial district, L. l.
Bennett, P. B. Mccarthy; second judicial
district, j. l.. Pennington, R. 81. Mcbride
third judicial district, w. E. Purcell, A
Garnet; fourth judicial district, c. II
Winson, F. A. Gale; fifth judicial district
CT. Mccoy, j. G. Lee; sixth judicial dis
trict, William Thorn pson, j. A. Frye. A,
the evening session memorial to con
gress was presented and adopted by q
unanimous rising vote.
THE MEMORIAL
states that the people represented in con
vention are desirous Of the admission Of
Dakota as one state and earnestly petitions
congress for an enabling act so a constitu
ton may be submitted to the popular vott
at the next general election. The conven
ton adjourned sine die.